Charred Eggplant Dip

This smoky charred eggplant dip is one of my favorite dishes in a classic meze spread, a collection of small plates, salads and appetizers common throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean. Charring the eggplant until entirely blackened and soft is crucial to developing the flavor of the dish. If you don’t have a charcoal grill, you can achieve a similar effect using your broiler. To complete your meze-style meal, try my tzatziki sauce, tabbouleh, labneh dip, kefta, Israeli salad and chicken skewers.

Instructions

SERVINGS: MAKES ABOUT 3 CUPS

Light a chimney full of natural hardwood charcoal. When it’s white hot, dump into the bottom of a charcoal grill. Tap the coals lightly to get rid of some of the ash.

Place the Serrano pepper and eggplants directly on the charcoal. Cook the pepper for about 2 minutes per side, until charred all over. Cook the eggplant for about 10 minutes per side, until completely blackened and eggplants are soft. Remove the vegetables from the coals and set aside to cool.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil, garlic and onion. Cook for 2 minutes, and then add the cayenne, coriander and cumin.

Chop the Serrano pepper and add it to the pan. Peel the eggplants, coarsely chop and then add to the pan. Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon and cardamom and half the cilantro (reserve the rest for garnish). Cook for a couple minutes and then stir in the tomato puree and lime juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until thickened and liquid has evaporated. You can serve it as a warm appetizer, at room temperature or as a chilled dip. When ready to serve, garnish with parsley, reserved cilantro and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with toasted flatbread.